Carolyn Hax: Stop responding to childhood nickname to stop its use

4:27 PM,
May 14, 2014

Written by

Carolyn Hax

Dear Carolyn: A parent insists on calling an adult child (as in, career, married, kids, 30s, etc.) a babyish childhood nickname. The child has asked that the parent not use the name multiple times. The parent claims they cannot change that easily, and seems (to outside parties) to be using the name more frequently. The parent will slip into this nickname at public events as well, including events involving the child's colleagues.

The child does not believe the parent has bothered trying to adhere to the request at all. Is either side being unreasonable? - Nicknamed